Wireless Device Regrouping via Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for grouping wireless devices onto a common channel, such as in emergency situations, require manual intervention by a network manager to switch devices, which is inefficient and prone to errors, especially in dynamic environments.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically switches wireless devices to a common channel by determining the proximity of other devices to an initiator device using GPS coordinates, with a radio control manager broadcasting location information and sending instructions for devices within a predetermined distance to switch to the common channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual regrouping by network manager is used, then control precision is maintained, but productivity decreases and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregrouping speedVSAvoidsystem automation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables wireless devices to automatically perform regrouping operations without manual intervention. The initiator device broadcasts its location, peer devices automatically determine proximity using GPS coordinates, and the radio control manager automatically sends switching instructions to devices within the predetermined distance, eliminating the need for manual network manager intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of network manager intervention with an automated electronic system. GPS coordinates and automatic distance calculation substitute for manual identification of surrounding peers, while automated broadcasting and instruction sending replace manual command transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If manual identification of surrounding peers is required, then accuracy is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregrouping timeVSAvoidautomatic device selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes GPS location capabilities and automatic distance calculation mechanisms before regrouping is needed. When a regrouping event occurs, the initiator device immediately broadcasts its location, and peer devices can instantly calculate distances and determine proximity without manual identification processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Automatic electronic distance calculation using GPS coordinates replaces the manual process of identifying surrounding peers. The radio control manager automatically determines which devices are within the predetermined distance and sends switching instructions without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If manual switching of wireless devices is performed, then control precision is maintained, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser operation simplicityVSAvoidautomatic switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Wireless devices automatically perform the switching operation based on their predetermined proximity to the initiator device. The system handles the complex switching logic automatically, presenting a simple user experience where devices simply need to be within the predetermined distance for automatic regrouping to occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If automatic regrouping based on proximity is implemented, then productivity increases, but reliability may decrease due to lack of human verification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregrouping accuracyVSAvoidregrouping speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where peer devices respond to location broadcasts with their own GPS coordinates, allowing the radio control manager to verify distances and confirm which devices should be switched to the common channel, ensuring accuracy while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2002557B1Regrouping wireless devices
Publication Date: 2015.01.28 MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP2002557B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2002557B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2002557B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of switching a number of wireless devices to a common channel, the method comprising automatically broadcasting location 10 co-ordinates for an initiator wireless devices (R2) to the other wireless devices (Rl, R3-R6) in response to receiving an initiate switching message comprising the location co-ordinates from said initiator wireless device (R2), automatically determining the distance between each said other wireless device (RI.R3-R6) and the initiator wireless device (R2) in response to receiving respective location based information from the other wireless devices, transmitting an instruction to switch to the common channel (RTG) to the initiator wireless device (R2) and the other wireless devices (R3-R6) within a predetermined distance of the initiator wireless device (R2)